Zell Family Foundation
Chicago, Illinois · EIN 363487811 · Private foundation
Zell Family Foundation is a Illinois-based grantmaker. In its latest 990-PF filing it reported $20.9M in annual giving against $279.3M in assets. This page documents the 281 grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for Zell Family Foundation — who they fund, what they prioritize, and what to know before reaching out.
What Zell Family Foundation funds
Zell Family Foundation's giving carries a documented focus on arts & culture, economic development, education, faith-based (jewish), health care, and related causes.
Populations it has supported include families.
Grant history
The largest grants Bespoke Grants has on record for Zell Family Foundation, by amount:
| Recipient | Location | Grant | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan HELEN ZELL WRITERS FUND | Ann Arbor, MI | $35.0M | 2023 |
| University of Michigan THE SAMUEL ZELL AND ROBERT H. LURIE INSTITUTE FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES | Ann Arbor, MI | $30.0M | 2023 |
| Northwestern University-kellogg GENERAL SUPPORT | Evanston, IL | $25.0M | 2024 |
| Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School ZELL FAMILY FUND FOR JEWISH EDUCATION | Chicago, IL | $24.0M | 2023 |
| University of Michigan ZELL FOUNDERS EXPENDABLE FUND AT ZLI | Ann Arbor, MI | $10.0M | 2023 |
| Rochelle Zell Jewish High School GENERAL SUPPORT | Deerfield, IL | $10.0M | 2024 |
| Rochelle Zell Jewish High School TO ELIMINATE DEBT AND STRENGTHEN ENDOWMENT | Deerfield, IL | $9.5M | 2023 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra GENERAL SUPPORT | Chicago, IL | $8.3M | 2024 |
| University of Michigan HELEN ZELL EXPENDABLE FUND FOR GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT | Ann Arbor, MI | $4.1M | 2023 |
| University of Chicago GENERAL SUPPORT - CENTER FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION | Chicago, IL | $4.0M | 2022 |
| Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Endowment Corp GENERAL SUPPORT | Chicago, IL | $3.0M | 2024 |
| University of Chicago GENERAL SUPPORT | Chicago, IL | $2.0M | 2024 |
| Zell Entrepreneurship Foundation ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION - OUT OF CORPUS | Chicago, IL | $2.0M | 2024 |
| Zell Entrepreneurship Foundation GENERAL SUPPORT | Chicago, IL | $2.0M | 2022 |
| Zell Entrepreneurship Foundation ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION - OUT OF CORPUS | Chicago, IL | $2.0M | 2023 |
Zell Family Foundation giving by year
Total grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for each filing year:
How to apply for funding from Zell Family Foundation
Zell Family Foundation's public IRS filing does not spell out a formal application process. Foundations of this size often give primarily to organizations they already know, so a concise letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first contact — not a full proposal.
Is Zell Family Foundation the right funder for your nonprofit?
This page shows what Zell Family Foundation has funded. Bespoke Grants tells you whether it fits your mission — and finds every other foundation that does. Free, no credit card.
Match my nonprofit to funders →Frequently asked questions about Zell Family Foundation
- Does Zell Family Foundation accept grant applications?
- Zell Family Foundation's public filing does not specify an application process. A brief letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first step with a private foundation of this size.
- What does Zell Family Foundation fund?
- Zell Family Foundation's grants focus on arts & culture. Recent recipients include University of Michigan, University of Michigan, Northwestern University-kellogg. Its full grant history is listed above.
- How much does Zell Family Foundation give in grants?
- Zell Family Foundation reported $20.9M in grants in its most recent IRS filing (FY2020). Across all years in our data it has awarded $244.9M over 281 grants.
- Where is Zell Family Foundation located?
- Zell Family Foundation is based in Chicago, Illinois. Its IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 363487811.
- How can I find foundations similar to Zell Family Foundation?
- Bespoke Grants matches your nonprofit against 225,000+ foundations like Zell Family Foundation, ranking each by how well it fits your mission, location, and budget — with the reasoning shown. It is free to search.
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